How to Ask Someone If They're Thinking About Suicide

Summary

How do you know if someone you love is thinking about suicide, and what do you actually say if they are? For Suicide Awareness Month, Mandi welcomes back returning guest Diane Andre Acuna, a speaker and burnout prevention specialist trained in suicide intervention for a conversation most people are afraid to have.

Diane breaks down the real warning signs (hint: it's not what you think), the exact language to use, how to ask someone directly if they're thinking about it (even a child), and when to call 988 versus 911. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who wants to be a safe person for the people in your life, this episode gives you the words and the confidence to have this conversation before it's too late.

Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor; can connect you to local resources and a safety plan.

LivingWorks - The suicide prevention training with programs: safeTALK teaches how to recognize signs and do a warm handoff to help / ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training) trains people to directly ask about suicide and intervene.

Connect with Diane Andre Acuna:

• Website: DianneAndree.com - Free download daily rituals to burnout-proof your morning; Inquire about bringing Dianne to present to your organization.
  

• LinkedIn: Diane Acuna Andree - Weekly "Tuesday Tip" posts for a daily micro-reset.
  

• Instagram: @Diandree7

Connect with Mandi:

• Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com

• Take the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz

• Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared

• LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and guest background

02:13 Personal experiences with mental health and trauma

04:25 Training and resources in suicide prevention

07:12 Signs to look for in teenagers and children

11:14 Recognizing giving away possessions and verbal cues

17:28 How to approach someone showing warning signs

21:26 Handling disclosures and direct questions

26:18 The importance of a safety net and involving others

30:54 Resources, follow-up, and community support

34:40 Ongoing support process

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.